Tanzania reports an increase in COVID-19 cases in April

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Health has confirmed that COVID-19 remains present in Tanzania, alongside other respiratory diseases.

According to a statement released today, May 20, 2025, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases from 1.4 percent in February to 16.3percent in March, reaching 16.8percent in April this year.

The statement was issued to alert the public about the risks of airborne diseases, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses, while emphasizing the importance of taking protective measures.

According to the Ministry, from January to April 2025, there has been a rise in reports related to respiratory illnesses, particularly in Dar es Salaam. As a result, the Ministry has continued to closely monitor the situation and provide daily updates on outbreak-related diseases.

“COVID-19, which was first reported in the country in March 2020, has continued to exist at low levels similar to other respiratory illnesses. However, from February to April 2025, there has been a noticeable increase in infection rates from 1.4 percent to 16.8 percent,” the statement reads.

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The Ministry explained that it has been using respiratory disease surveillance systems established since 2018 to monitor disease trends, identify the pathogens causing infections, and assess the potential emergence of a new virus with the capacity to spread rapidly.

“Laboratory tests have shown fluctuations in influenza virus levels, a trend also observed in past years, which is consistent with what is known as ‘seasonal influenza’. So far, there is no evidence of a new virus capable of causing a pandemic-level outbreak,” the statement added.

In light of this situation, the Ministry of Health has called on the public to adhere to health guidelines to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections. Recommended measures include covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wearing face masks when necessary, washing hands with running water and soap or using hand sanitizers, and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.